The Stream Blog — Sales Funnel

Six Ways to Serve Before the Sale: How to Build Trust in a Transactional World A few months ago, I stepped into a new role as VP of Sales and Marketing at Sunday Cool. Throughout my career, my focus has been on marketing strategy, growth, and creating systems that set sales and fundraising teams up for success with qualified leads and targeted materials. Until now, I hadn’t spent much time in the day-to-day intricacies of salesmanship. We work primarily with faith-based and church markets, seeing ourselves not just as a vendor but as a ministry resource. Here, “serving” our customers takes on a deeper meaning because our mission is to sell products and services that make a real impact on...

A sales funnel isn't just a conveyor belt moving prospects toward a transaction. It's an opportunity to: → Start a conversation → Build a relationship → Solve a problem → Create a community Each stage is a touchpoint to add value and generate trust. The aim isn't just to filter out the unqualified leads; it's to inspire the right people to join you on your journey. The best sales funnel isn't a filter; it's a magnet that pulls the right people deeper into your company's story and service. It's not about filtering the most. It's about connecting the best.